Sen. Dawn Keefer

Maddy summarySB 405 amends Pennsylvania's Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act by updating the legal definition of "drug" to explicitly include substances intended as components of other drugs. It adds a new subsection (v) clarifying that "drug" covers substances used in the production of other specified drugs, while also defining "vaccine or vaccine material" as FDA-authorized substances for disease immunity. This is a technical definitional update to the existing law, not a new policy or regulation, and does not directly affect specific individuals or industries. The bill refines how the law classifies certain substances under current drug regulations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 39) designates February 19, 2025, as "The Battle of Iwo Jima Remembrance Day" in Pennsylvania. It commemorates the 80th anniversary of the 1945 Battle of Iwo Jima, highlighting the battle's significant casualties (6,821 U.S. troops killed) and historical importance. The resolution encourages Pennsylvania local governments and communities to hold observances to honor the sacrifices made during the battle. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect or binding requirements.

Maddy summarySB 439 updates Pennsylvania's Apprenticeship and Training Act by establishing new supervisor-to-apprentice ratios based on occupational hazard levels determined using U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics fatality data. High-hazard jobs (9+ fatalities per 100,000 workers) require no more than three supervisors per apprentice, medium-hazard (2-9 fatalities) allows two supervisors, and low-hazard (≤2 fatalities) requires one supervisor. The bill mandates annual reviews of hazard classifications by the Department of Labor and Industry, with changes taking effect July 1 each year after public notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. This directly affects all apprenticeship programs in Pennsylvania, particularly those in industries like construction or manufacturing, by standardizing supervision requirements for safety and training consistency.

Maddy summarySB 394 proposes a constitutional amendment to end school districts' authority to levy real property taxes on primary homes (homesteads) and farms (farmsteads) after June 30, 2030. This directly affects homeowners and farmers by eliminating future property taxes on their primary residences and agricultural land, while requiring the state to replace lost school funding through alternative taxes like retail sales or income taxes. The bill mandates that the state annually compensate school districts for lost revenue by depositing funds into a dedicated "Stabilization of Education Fund," which cannot be diverted for other purposes. The amendment must pass both legislative chambers and be approved by voters to take effect.

Maddy summarySB 386 expands Pennsylvania's restrictions on foreign entities acquiring agricultural land, prohibiting entities from "countries of concern" (including China, Russia, Iran, and others) and foreign political parties from purchasing more than 100 acres of farmland, except through inheritance or as security for debt. It requires title companies to verify compliance, imposes $1,000 penalties for willful failures, and authorizes the Attorney General to investigate violations and seize illegally acquired land. Forfeited land must be sold at auction, with proceeds first covering sale costs and investigation expenses, then paying lienholders, and finally funding the state General Fund. The law defines "agricultural land" as land used for farming crops, livestock, or related products, excluding mineral rights or non-agricultural zoning.

Maddy summarySB 238 repeals the realty transfer tax provisions from Pennsylvania's 1971 Tax Reform Code, removing a specific tax applied to property transfers. It eliminates Article XI-C, which previously defined terms like "family farm business," "living trust," and "real estate" for tax purposes. This change means property transfers in Pennsylvania will no longer be subject to the realty transfer tax framework that existed under the 1971 Code. The bill does not create new tax rules but removes the existing structure governing this tax.

Maddy summarySB 186 repeals Pennsylvania's CO2 Budget Trading Program regulations (specifically 25 Pa. Code Chapter 145 Subchapter E). This bill directly affects entities previously subject to the program's requirements, such as businesses participating in carbon emissions trading. The key provision is the immediate abrogation of all regulatory provisions under the referenced code section, eliminating the state's CO2 trading framework. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 3, 2025, as "Four Chaplains Day" in Pennsylvania to commemorate the sacrifice of four Army chaplains (George Fox, Alexander Goode, John Washington, and Clark Poling) during WWII. It honors their selfless actions when the ship Dorchester was torpedoed in 1943, as they gave up life jackets to save others. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely ceremonial recognition of historical events. It does not affect any laws, rights, or government programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill reorganizes Pennsylvania's Emergency Management Agency by updating who serves on its governing council and clarifying the director's role. It specifies that the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Council will include the Governor, cabinet secretaries, legislative leaders, and nonvoting representatives from local governments, business, and labor. The bill also requires the Governor to appoint a State Director (with Senate approval) who will serve as the primary coordinator for disaster response efforts under federal declarations. This is a procedural change to agency structure, not a policy shift affecting public services or funding.

Maddy summarySB 134 proposes a constitutional amendment to limit Pennsylvania's annual state spending. It would require total state spending (excluding federal funds) to stay near the previous year's level, adjusted for either personal income growth or inflation plus population change. Exceptions allowing higher spending include emergencies (approved by a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers) or other cases with advance gubernatorial request and a two-thirds legislative vote. This amendment directly affects all state budget decisions and would require voter approval after legislative passage.